Quick-Growing Plants to Start in July for a Summer Harvest
Just because it's July doesn't mean it's too late to start your garden this season. Here are some quick-growing herbs and vegetables you can plant right now and still have time to enjoy before it starts getting chilly outside.
Arugula
Arugula is one of the easiest greens to grow. Plant it from seed, and it quickly produces delicious leaves that are much tastier than store-bought arugula. It grows best in cooler weather but can still thrive in the heat. If you're planting in the middle of a heatwave, plant it in a shadier spot, like under a porch or patio. Sow seeds with 3-4 inches of space and water daily for the first two weeks. In just 30 days, you'll be able to start harvesting your first leaves.
Basil
Basil will give you the quickest harvests in the summer months. While it takes about 60 days to grow from seed, starting with a store-bought plant speeds up the process. Basil thrives in warm weather and can grow with just 4 hours of sunlight a day. To harvest, cut above a leaf node to encourage the plant to grow bushier and produce more leaves.
Kale and Swiss Chard
Kale and Swiss chard are great summer greens. By July, it's best to buy plant starts from the store rather than starting from seed. These biennials will give you a great return on your investment over the next couple of seasons. Pot them up and keep them in the shade during the hottest months. Harvest leaves from the outside of the plant for fresh greens all summer.
Cucumber, Squash, Zucchini
Besides beans, these are the fastest-growing fruiting crops to plant in midsummer. While you may find seedlings in the store, these plants do best grown from seed. Sow cucumber seeds next to a trellis for quick-growing vines that will produce fruits in about 55-60 days. Plant squash and zucchini seeds at the edge of your raised bed, training the leaves to drape over the side to save space. You'll soon be harvesting loads of fresh produce.
Getting Started
Starting your garden in July means you won't miss out on the joys of summer and fall harvests. Just follow these tips to get growing quickly:
Choose the right plants: Select fast-growing varieties that can handle summer heat.
Provide proper care: Ensure your plants have adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients.
Harvest regularly: Regular harvesting encourages new growth and keeps your plants productive.
With these quick-growing plants, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce even if you start planting in the middle of summer. Happy gardening!